Sibila Galanis moves through New York City with a quiet intensity, her presence commanding yet unassuming. A creative director, photographer, and model, Sibila has evolved into a multi-faceted artist whose journey has been defined by a relentless pursuit of freedom and a commitment to authentic expression. From her time on the runway to her transformative shift behind the lens, Sibila's path has always been about one thing: empowerment.
Sibila Galanis, photographed by Elena Slinkova
"I believe in freedom of expression that transcends labels," she explains, yet with conviction. Whether she's the subject or the creative mind behind the scenes, each project is crafted to celebrate individuality. Her life and work reflect this philosophy, a narrative woven with moments of joy, spontaneity, and unapologetic freedom.
Finding Freedom Through Creativity
Growing up in a conservative society in Central Asia, Sibila understood early on the need for self-empowerment, especially for women. "Empowerment is carried with confidence, self-acceptance, and self-love. Growing up in a conservative country, I came a long way to be confident in my own skin," she says, her words carrying the weight of someone who has had to fight for that confidence.
Sibila Galanis, photographed by Elena Slinkova
"These notions are often misunderstood and lose their light among societal expectations. I welcome the expression of empowerment and freedom in all my works—even when I dance or sing. It all translates into my work ethic and how I approach my clients and friends."
Her photography, too, captures this unspoken but deeply felt liberation. In a recent rooftop shoot with model Sophia Eleonora, Sibila used chain framing as a symbolic expression of societal restrictions. "Sophia's powerful poses and flexibility translated into a sense of liberation," she notes, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes.
Photography by Sibila Galanis
A Model and Storyteller
Sibila's journey to photography was a natural evolution, driven by a desire to tell stories that honor individuality. Reflecting on her years as a model, she admits, "When I was modeling, I felt very insecure and unsatisfied with my image after being turned down so many times by casting agents." That experience left an indelible mark, shaping how she now approaches her storytelling and shaping concepts around individuality and freedom of expression.
Photography by Sibila Galanis
"But when I began creating my own stories and photographing friends, it was transformative. I realized that many models don't get a chance to express themselves fully, and that inspired me to understand how I could photograph and direct in a way that honors their individuality. I want my models to feel safe in their self-expression, and I think that's the beauty of capturing that moment and building a safe and trusting relationship with models and clients."
One of Sibila's most defining moments came during her time in Europe, working with the F2Max production team and crossing paths with industry icons like Elie Saab, Rahul Mishra, and Anna Dello Russo. It was in Milan, at the launch of a Max & Co collection, that she met Anna Dello Russo—a meeting she describes with fondness and gratitude. "She had this big, beautiful smile that seemed to warm up souls and bring conversations to an authentic level," Sibila recalls.
Anna Dello Russo, photographed by Sibila Galanis.
Anna's advice to "love my craft to the fullest and not be afraid of taking risks or standing out from the crowd" struck a powerful chord, inspiring Sibila to embrace her vision in a world often driven by trends and conformity. "It resonated with me because I also believe that art and fashion are about expression, not conformity," she adds. Meeting Anna gave her hope and empowered her to follow her own path, a young female artist bolstered by one of fashion's most genuine personalities.
Her connection with Rahul Mishra was equally impactful, reinforcing her commitment to excellence and storytelling in her work. His guidance in approaching projects with both technical skill and a compelling narrative is a philosophy Sibila carries into each creative venture. "It allows me to build strong, meaningful projects that resonate with a diverse audience," she reflects, crediting these interactions as some of her most transformative moments.
Rahul Mishra in frame with Sibila Galanis.
Diversity and the Power of Story
Today, diversity sits at the core of Sibila's work. Whether she's photographing a fashion shoot or an intimate wedding moment, she takes the time to create stories that defy stereotypes. "Diverse stories change the conventional view of things," she explains. In her projects, she encourages models to wear the clothes rather than letting the clothes wear them, inviting them to bring their own narratives into each shot.
Photography by Sibila Galanis
A recent rooftop shoot with her model friend Ben stands out in her memory. "His confidence allowed me to portray a strength that was within him that was truly inspiring," she says of the shoot, a moment where both subject and photographer found themselves "in the moment," letting the natural flow of the environment take over.
The Joy of Spontaneous Moments
Beyond fashion, Sibila also finds fulfillment in capturing intimate, real-life moments. She recalls a spontaneous shoot at Brooklyn Bridge during a bachelorette party, her clients' infectious energy drawing her in. "Good energy attracts good energy," she believes, smiling at the memory of pizza slices, laughter, and candid shots. Her work allows her to act as a silent observer, capturing the unfiltered joy and connection of those around her. "Their happiness is my happiness," she says, her eyes lighting up with genuine warmth.
Photography by Sibila Galanis
Cultural Influence and Artistic Growth
From the spontaneous joy of intimate shoots to the structured elegance of high-fashion editorials, Sibila's artistry is equally shaped by the diverse cultural influences of the cities she's called home. Paris, Milan, New York—each has left an imprint on her creative approach. "Paris is the heart of fashion, and the way French and Italian people treat fashion and lifestyle is priceless," she reflects, recalling the dedication to craft and the harmonious balance between work and play she observed there. These experiences inspired her to bring a rich cultural awareness to her work back in New York, where she sees it as her role "to portray my models and clients responsibly, showing respect for their individuality and cultural backgrounds."
Sibila Galanis, photographed by Vladislav Kurenkov.
Her time in Europe instilled in her a passion for authenticity and craftsmanship, values that are evident in every project she undertakes, whether a high-fashion spread or a personal photo series.
What Lies Ahead: New Artistic Frontiers
As she looks toward the future, Sibila is eager to explore new realms of creativity, including music video production and commercial direction. "Stepping into a new field excites and terrifies me," she admits, her enthusiasm tempered by humility. "I hope to collaborate with international talent, seeing what we can create together." On days when creativity wanes, she finds solace in Central Park walks, tango classes, or quiet evenings with friends, knowing that these moments are essential to nurturing her artistry. "Creative blocks don't feel so overwhelming anymore," she reflects, viewing these moments as an opportunity to understand herself better.
Sibila Galanis, photographed by Elena Slinkova
A Unique Voice in Empowerment and Expression
Sibila Galanis's journey is one of constant evolution—a testament to the power of individuality and the freedom that comes with self-expression. Each project she undertakes, from high-energy fashion shoots to intimate personal moments, reflects her deep-seated belief that art is not about fitting into molds but breaking them. "There will always be artists with superior technical skills," she notes, "but no one can replicate the unique perspective each person brings." It's this conviction that defines her work: a celebration of diversity, authenticity, and the beauty found in imperfection.
Sibila Galanis, photographed by Elena Slinkova
With an eye for storytelling that resonates across cultures, Sibila has created a space where her subjects are free to be themselves, and her audience is invited to see beyond the superficial. As she continues to explore new artistic avenues, her commitment to empowering others through her art remains unwavering—a creative force inviting others to embrace their own stories and live them boldly, one frame at a time.
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